Overview & Reviews

Born in Japan, Suzuki is an automaker that has made a name for itself by crafting vehicles that emphasize value and affordability. Through the years, the brand's lineup has included sedans, wagons and SUVs. However, in late 2012 the company decided to stop selling new vehicles in the United States.

The company was founded by Michio Suzuki in 1909 as Suzuki Loom Works. By the 1950s, its focus had expanded beyond just loom machines to include both motorcycles and automobiles. In 1955, it rolled out the Suzulight, a compact car that proved to be a harbinger of a new era of Japanese lightweight vehicles. The automaker expanded its lineup to include a truck in 1961. Like its sibling, the tiny Suzulight Carry pickup distinguished itself with its featherweight specification. By the end of the decade, the Suzuki lineup had grown to include the Fronte passenger car, the subcompact Fronte 800 and the Carry Van full-cab van.

In 1970, Suzuki rolled out the Jimny, a four-wheel-drive sport-utility vehicle that resembled a playful version of the Jeep CJ-5. The automaker's roster continued to grow throughout this decade, with the addition of the Alto and the subcompact LJ80.

The 1980s saw Suzuki partnering with General Motors when GM acquired a 5 percent stake in the company. GM made this move partially in response to the growing popularity of subcompacts in the U.S. market. After the purchase, Suzuki products were rebadged and sold as GM vehicles on American shores.

In 1985, the carmaker launched an American outpost, and for the first time, Suzuki-branded vehicles became available in the U.S. The company's first model was the Samurai; available as either a convertible or a hardtop, this compact SUV met with immediate success. However, the Samurai's glory days were short-lived.

In 1988, Consumer Reports published an article in which it deemed the Samurai unsafe, saying it was more likely than most to roll over during certain maneuvers. Suzuki took the magazine to court (and eventually won) but the bad publicity from the article cast a pall on the Samurai that never quite lifted. Suzuki soldiered on, though. By the end of the decade its total aggregate car production had topped 10 million units, and its line had grown to include the compact Swift and the Sidekick, a compact SUV.

During the '90s, Suzuki expanded its reach to include territories like Egypt, Vietnam and Hungary, and launched new models like the Cappuccino convertible and the lightweight Wagon R. On U.S. soil, Suzuki rolled out the Esteem, dropped the beleaguered Samurai, introduced the two-seat, T-topped X-90 and replaced the Sidekick with the Vitara and Grand Vitara.

Suzuki and General Motors purchased ailing Daewoo in 2004, and two of that manufacturer's vehicles were rebadged and given new life as Suzukis. The Suzuki Forenza and Suzuki Verona both had former lives as Daewoo cars.

Through the first decade of the 2000s, Suzuki continued to evolve and improve its models, culminating in the Kizashi, a midsize sedan that was good enough to challenge segment front runners. But with overall sales and consumer interest stuck on a downward trend, Suzuki finally announced bankruptcy and termination of its U.S. vehicle operations in late 2012. The company plans to honor existing warranties, and some Suzuki dealers will continue to provide parts and service.

User Reviews:

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  Never again! - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By Cara - September 29 - 5:00 pm

  I bought my car brand new and It goes through tires and rimes like crazy, the passenger airbag sensor went out (2000.00 part) a .75 cent spring in console cost me 200 to fix, now the Transmission range sensor is going out. They really need more recalls on this car but no one seems to care until the problems start to leave dead bodies on the road, hint (Toyota), back door handles are pealing, i would never buy one again. thinking about having a bomb fire with it, at least than it wouldnt fail me!

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  Pleased in the Poconos - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By an - September 29 - 6:23 am

  I traded my 2000 Grand Vitara in for the 2007 4WD sport model, and have had it 7 months an I love it! It is a nice ride, and it feels safe and sturdy. I have had comments from backseat passengers how much room they have and how comfortable it is. Plenty of storage room behing the rear seat for groceries, luggage, etc. It is great in the snow, rear end does not slide like the 2000 model. My husband tried to do a "donut" in a parking lot to see what it would do, and the ESP kicked in, the gas cut off, and the car wouldnt let him do it! Love my sunroof, 6 CD changer, and Smart pass key. Just a great car in general.

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  GREAT LITTLE CAR - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Happy in NJ - September 26 - 1:30 am

  I have the 2008 Suzuki SX4 4-door sedan 5-speed manual with Touring package. I researched a lot of cars and read tons of reviews before I settled on the SX4. The value of the car brand new in Feb 2009 was $18k. I paid about $16k after all taxes and all fees. I have never regretted it for a second. It drives great, it has never had any problems and Im still happy with it after 11 months. It has traction control which comes in very handy in NJ in snow, icy roads and rain. I get about 30 mpg combined city and highway driving consistently. The trunk has a lot of space and the inside is roomy. Overall this is a great car with loads of features for a good price.

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  Its fun to drive - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By Don - September 24 - 1:40 am

  My 2005 Suzuki XL-7 is fun to drive. It has good handling in city traffic. The drivers seat is not made for long drives though. Wind noise over 65 MPH makes the radio useless. Also, they used too much cheap plastic in the interior. It has easy entry and I like the door handles, which work well. I like the looks of the vehicle too. The engine really makes noise (runs fast) when started in cold weather and this continues until it is warmed up. I had this issue checked out and supposedly thats the way the engine is on all models.

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  so far very happy - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By winger21067 - September 23 - 12:06 pm

  Ive owned this Reno for about 2 months now and Iam very pleased. Gas mileage is averageing 30/mpg. (thats city/hwy average mixed)My family fits decently. 2 Adults, Im 62" , and 3 kids. Gabriella is still in a car seat also. As for the cars power, you would accually think this car had a larger engine. Ive got the 5speed Manual. the only real downfall Ive noticed is pedal spacing. I have trouble hitting 2 pedals at once. All in all, Im pleased. This is a far cry better than getting 9 - 13/mpg in my full-sized conversion van. Until gas goes down this is ,I feel, good transportation. Dwayne H.

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  good car - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By carreview - September 22 - 11:20 pm

  We have had our forenza for a week now and love it. We have the manual transmission which i recommend(better gas mileage). We have the base model but you dont feel like you have a base car. The materials feel very nice, they dont feel cheap, the styling looks great inside and out. Very comfortable to ride and drive in. It does have a surprisingly roomy interior. The trunk space is also large and legroom in the back seat is roomy. I would recommend this car to anybody.

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  Love My Car - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Alycia - September 21 - 3:03 pm

  I never imagined loving my car this much! I absolutely LOVE my car. I would never have purchased a Grand Vitara if my sister didnt work for Suzuki. I was able to get a great deal on the car! I highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a small SUV. It drives great & is extremely comfortable. The features are endless. I am 25 and live in O.C. & anyone who drives my car says the same thing. All my friends want one & the VP of my company said he was definitely going to look into Suzuki SUVs when they purchase their next car. I had never even driven a Suzuki until the day I got mine. I got it becasue of the deal & never imagined loving it this much.

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  Speed baby - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By Grabowski - September 21 - 10:00 am

  WOO HOO, sit down, shut up, and hang on

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  REAL 33.5 mpg - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By credto - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I currently have 14,284 miles on my gas saving commuter. This car has a the comforts of a 20k car but sips gas like a Kia... my last tank of gas was $11.35 and I got 327 miles on that tank. The 6 disc 7 speaker stereo plays great, and I get alot more electronic bells and whistles than my wifes 2001 Subaru 2.5 rs, that cost 7k more.

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  my suzuki xl-7 - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By jsweets - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I love my xl-7!!It is fun and my kids love having the third seat. we now have room for my kids friends and my kids love the rear air-conditioning, before they would be hot in the back while the grown-ups would be cool in the front. I feel like a million bucks when driving my sporty yet practical suv!!